By Cecilia Ogezi
A tragic incident unfolded in Ibadan on Tuesday morning, at about 7:45am, May 20, along Alakia-Adelubi Road as a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade, lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a police officer attempting to stop a vehicle reportedly driving against traffic.
In an official statement, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that the deceased was seated in the rear of a black Honda Accord (Lagos registration number FST 639 JJ), driven by his father, Odunayo Alade. According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Osifeso Adewale, the vehicle had been flagged down by a joint enforcement team of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) and police officers for violating traffic rules at the Airport Roundabout along Alakia-Adelubi/Airport Road.
“Rather than complying with lawful directives, the driver allegedly accelerated toward the enforcement team in an attempt to evade arrest, ramming into two OYTMA vehicles and a Police Buffalo Patrol truck,” the statement read.
The police alleged that the vehicle continued to flee despite barricades set up by officers to halt its movement, raising concerns of possible criminal intent or abduction. During the ensuing chase, a police corporal reportedly fired a shot aimed at the vehicle’s tyres but inadvertently struck the young boy.
The teenager was rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body has since been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The officer who discharged the firearm has been taken into custody, alongside other members of the enforcement team, pending the outcome of internal investigations.
The command assured the public of its commitment to transparency and due process, promising a thorough probe into the incident.
As public outrage continues to mount, civil rights groups and concerned citizens have begun calling for justice for the slain boy and accountability from the authorities.
